Ireland has cultivated a worldwide reputation for its eclectic array of unique events and festivals. Covering all sorts of cultural, historical and musical activities and interests, every corner of the island plays host to marvellous variety of festivities throughout the year. So, next time you’re planning on travelling across the country for a festival, we say: ‘Why not extend your trip, and spend more time exploring the surrounding area?’ From beautiful Bantry to the beaches of Bundoran, and all along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland is never short of surprises. Here are three superb festivals to start planning a proper weekend break around...

BIKEFEST
May 31 – June 3
Killarney, Co. Kerry
irelandbikefest.com
Now in its 13th year, BikeFest has become one of the biggest dates on the calendar for bikers, aspiring bikers and spectators alike. Attracting tens of thousands of people from all over the globe to Killarney for the three-day motorcycle and music festival each year, Bikefest boasts an action-packed programme of activities, with three live music stages – the Outdoor Stage, Main Stage in INEC and the Harley Bar in the Bike Village – and incredible tracks around which bikers can ride. Some highlights of the 2019 festival include the Wild Atlantic Way Ride Outs, the Ladies Garage Party – and a special draw in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland to win a (wow!) 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Rod.

• While you’re in the area:

At Killarney Falconry, you can try your hand at working with trained hawks and owls, under the instruction of an experienced falconer. Be sure to make the most of all the stunning scenery the area has to offer. Head for a stroll around Killarney House & Gardens, adjoined to Killarney National Park, visiting Torc Waterfall, and taking in a Killarney Lake Tour by boat. Check out Murphy’s Bar for its marvellously decorated walls and great trad sessions. We also love Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant (27 High St.), which serves great fish. Fuchsia House, a B&B guesthouse, is a fab spot to set up base before exploring the area. Make sure to drive – or cycle! – the Ring of Kerry. It’s the Wild Atlantic Way at its finest!

3-6-2018: Bikers from all over the world participate in the 12th Ireland Bikefest Parade of Bikes through the streets of Killarney on Sunday where bikers proudly show off their super machines.
Over 40,000 bikers and biking enthusiasts from all over the world descended on Killarney and Kerry for the annual 3 day festival event.
Photo: Don MacMonagle
repro free photo from Ireland Bikefest

WEST CORK LITERARY FSETIVAL
July 12-19
Bantry, Co. Cork
westcorkmusic.ie/literaryfestival

Now an annual highlight on the Irish literary calendar, the West Cork Literary Festival is a week-long celebration of writing and reading for people of all ages. Located in venues around the beautiful town of Bantry, in the heart of West Cork, this year’s festival boasts a packed-to-bursting programme. The highlights include an evening with Mary Robinson, who’ll discuss her superb book, Climate Justice. The Irish literati will also be out in force, with appearances from Kevin Barry, John Boyne, Sebastian Barry, Hot Press fave Tana French (whose brilliant The Wych Elm has been widely acclaimed), and local boy, Graham Norton!

• While you’re in the area:

West Cork contains some of Ireland’s most breathtaking hidden gems. Accessible by ferry, Garnish Island and its surrounds include a remarkably tame seal colony, a Martello Tower, world-renowned gardens, rare plants and stunning walks. Watch out for porpoises, whales and dolphins! Make sure to visit the stately, historic Bantry House (and its beautiful woodlands). And visit Kealkill stone circle, just 10 kms away. Bantry is home to a great selection of hotels and guesthouses, as well as a scenic 20-acre camping park at Eagle Point, with gorgeous views of Bantry Bay. We’re fans of O’Connor’s Seafood Restaurant (Wolfe Tone Sq.), The Snug (The Quay) and, during the day, The Stuffed Olive (2 Bridge St.). In nearby Drimoleague, Top of the Rock Pod Páirc and Walking Centre is a bit special.

SEA SESSIONS

June 21-23
Bundoran, Co. Donegal
seasessions.com
Sea Sessions has become one of Ireland’s most respected and eclectic festivals. This year it returns to the stunning beaches of Bundoran with a host of incredible acts, including headliners Sigrid, Clean Bandit and Two Door Cinema Door, as well as Irish trailblazers Dermot Kennedy, Wild Youth, Le Boom and Thumper, among many others. With surfing, skating, BMX, beach sports, yoga and more, Sea Sessions’ unique programme ensures that you’re never short of things to do. So, whether you want to kick up the sand while you party on the beach, or find inner-peace in deep meditation, anything goes at Sea Sessions.

• While you’re in the area:

You deserve time to chill, so why not visit Bundoran Seaweed Baths? There’s an incredible range of treatments to choose from, with seaweed freshly harvested from the Atlantic Ocean. For thrill-seekers, Donegal Adventure Centre, Ireland’s largest surf school and adventure centre, offers surfing, kayaking, climbing, abseiling and more. The Grand Central Hotel is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. We’re big fans of the Chasing Bull, so drop in for a drink. And the Fox’s Lair Bar and Restaurant is a great place to eat. Remember to check out the Rory Gallagher statue in Ballyshannon and visit the Famine Graveyard in Donegal town.

Sigrid @The Olympia 5-11-18

For more details about planning your trip around Ireland, go to www.discoverireland.ie